Installation of Solar Panels at My Residence

Project Title: Installation of solar panels at my residence

Name: Piyana Mondal

Advisor: Margaret Gratian

Motivation:

1. Reduction of electricity bill: A typical American household uses 920 kWh of electricity per month. A residential solar installation of   home solar system will dramatically lower the electric bills. As per studies by the US DoE, many homeowners save 50% on their electric bills — some even completely eliminate their electric bill.
2. Protection against rising energy cost: Electricity costs have climbed more than 21% during the past five years. Fossil fuel supplies are dwindling, which will lead to higher energy costs. Solar power locks in the electrical costs and protects us from escalating utility costs. (Source: Renewable Energy Corporation)
3. Reduction of carbon footprint: The average American household generates 7.4 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year through electrical use. This equates to 185 tons of CO2 over 25 years, which is how long solar panels is guaranteed to perform. Carbon Dioxide creates global warming which is dramatically affecting our climate causing glacier loss, shoreline erosion, and endangering many animals around the world. (Source: Renewable Resource Group)
4. Conservation of natural resources: Putting the sun to work reduces the amount of coal and nuclear energy needed to power our home which helps preserve the earth’s supply of non-renewable resources. Coal and nuclear energy production consume vast amounts of water. Consequently, solar panels at home can conserve over 16,000 gallons of water per year. (Source: Renewable Energy Corporation)
5. Affordability: Tax incentives and rebates can reduce the cost of going solar by up to 50% depending on your state and local programs.

Note: Actual savings will depend on your home’s energy needs, available space for a photovoltaic system, and your PV system orientation.

Sources of Information

1. Web
2. Solar panels cost guide
3. Annual report DoE

Timeline

Initial study: 1 week, WBS preparation: 1 week, Research for collecting data for cost estimate: 4 weeks, Cost estimation formulation: 2 weeks, Discussion & checking: 2 weeks, Report writing: 1week, Total: 11 weeks